Chance for F1 to return to SA as Kyalami gets approval to upgrade circuit
Formula One is set for a big comeback in South Africa!
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Partial image from Facebook/Kyalami
702's John Perlman chats to Toby Venter from the OT Venter Group of Companies which owns Kyalami.
Good news for South African motor sport this Wednesday - international governing body the FIA has approved the upgrading of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to Formula 1 status.
The original Kyalami circuit in Midrand was constructed back in 1961.
The current 4.522km layout, upgraded in 2016, already holds FIA Grade 2 certification.
The circuit is now poised to take the next step in its evolution, Kyalami says in a statement, after having received confirmation that the FIA (Federation International de l'Automobile) has accepted final design proposals for an upgrade to Grade 1 status - the highest international standard required to host Formula 1.
John Perlman talks to Toby Venter from the OT Venter Group of Companies which owns Kyalami.
Venter notes that this development has been five years in the making.
"This is distinctly independent of any engagement with government or any other body. Kyalami's business model is self-sustaining... and we engaged with Apex Circuit Design in the UK who have 27 years experience of doing this around the world."
Toby Venter, Owner - Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
"Today we outlined a very significant development in South African motor sport... and the Formula 1 Association's oversight of our plan to upgrade Kyalami to F 1 status is not done lightly - it's a process with many hoops to jump through."
Toby Venter, Owner - Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Because of its existing status as a Formula 2 grade circuit, Kyalami is already 90% ready, Venter says.
The FIA plan approval grants Kyalami a three-year period to complete the intended Grade 1 upgrades.
"Kyalami is ready for this, but in order for South Africa to obtain an F 1 race, government involvement is essential because otherwise there's no business model."
Toby Venter, Owner - Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
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